Image Forming Device Parallel Calibration via Test Pattern Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices, such as laser printers, interrupt user operations during calibration processes, causing frustration as they cannot perform image forming operations based on received image data during calibration, leading to dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device that stores calibration data and acquires first image data, converting it into second data with test patterns when a predetermined condition is met, allowing simultaneous image quality adjustment and image formation, using a sensor to measure test pattern densities and modify calibration data, enabling parallel calibration and image forming operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If calibration operation is performed separately from image forming operation, then image quality adjustment can be maintained, but user operations are interrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration operation with the image forming operation by integrating test pattern formation into the regular printing process. The converter inserts test patterns into image data at predetermined positions, allowing both calibration and image forming to occur simultaneously in a single operation, thereby eliminating interruptions and maintaining continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter performs preliminary action by inserting test patterns into the image data before the image forming operation. This allows the calibration to be prepared in advance within the image data structure itself, so that when the image forming unit processes the data, both the user's image and the calibration test patterns are formed together without requiring separate calibration steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If calibration operation is performed frequently to maintain image quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
By combining calibration and image forming into a single integrated operation, the patent eliminates the time loss associated with separate calibration interruptions. The test patterns are formed within the image data processing flow, allowing calibration to occur during normal printing operations rather than requiring dedicated time slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by making the calibration operation transparent to the user's printing workflow. The test patterns are inserted and processed automatically as part of the normal image forming sequence, so that calibration continues uninterrupted alongside productive printing operations rather than stopping to perform separate calibration cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device, configured to make image quality adjustment based on calibration data, includes a storage configured to store the calibration data for the image quality adjustment, an acquiring unit configured to acquire first image data, a converter configured to, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, convert the first image data acquired by the acquiring unit into second image data by placing, into the first image data, test pattern data for forming one or more test patterns, an image forming unit configured to form an image based on the second image data on an image-formed body thereof, a sensor configured to measure densities of the test patterns included in the image formed on the image-formed body, and a modifying unit configured to modify the calibration data stored on the storage based on the densities measured by the sensor.